System and method for conserving power in a content addressable memory by providing an independent search line voltage
US6442055B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | Aug 27, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C15/04
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method is disclosed for operating a content addressable memory (CAM) within an integrated circuit using search signals at search input voltages which are substantially independent from an operating voltage of the CAM. A method is disclosed in which search signals are input to CAM cells of the CAM at search input voltages which are substantially independent of an operating voltage of storage elements within the CAM cells. A match signal is output upon detecting a matching condition between the search signals and data stored in the storage elements. The search input voltage can be within about 0.2V above a threshold voltage of a search input device of the CAM memory cell. Search input devices can be selected to have a lower threshold voltage than other devices included within the CAM cell.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.